NEW & UPDATED BLOGS

BREAKING NEWS: The Mai-Kai officially begins work on first phase of $8.5 million renovation projects

With three key building permits in hand, the new ownership group is finally moving full-steam ahead on major construction projects that will restore and reshape the historic Polynesian restaurant.
>>> GET THE LATEST INSIDE INFORMATION

UPDATED: The Mai-Kai's cocktails to go return in 2023

Order gallons (and quarts) of your favorite tropical drinks. Next pickup dates: March 15-16.
>>> LATEST INFO ON HOW TO ORDER
NEW: Limited release Rum Barrel T-shirts

UPDATED: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide

Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
>>> SEE ALL OF THE TOP 2023 EVENTS

New Don the Beachcomber locations launching in Florida, up to 15 planned across Southeast

A Tampa-based hospitality company will begin rolling out a chain of new Tiki-themed restaurants featuring the Don the Beachcomber branding in 2023, the first two in Central Florida.
>>> Get the latest updates on the expansion plans
>>> Info on the first two locations, including renderings and video
Bonus cocktail recipe: Don's Beach Planter cocktail

Top 10 Tiki stories of 2022 include legends lost, hope for the future

Join us in paying tribute to the influential figures we lost and reflect on their great impact. Let's also give thanks for the positive news that made it into our annual list of the most impactful stories of the year.
>>> The Atomic Grog's picks for the year's top news stories
Bonus cocktail recipes: Harry Yee's Tropical Itch | Stephen Remsberg's Planter's Punch

EXCLUSIVE: New details on The Mai-Kai renovations, new merchandise revealed at Inuhele 2023 in Atlanta

New images and renderings of the historic restaurant's multimillion-dollar refurbishment unveiled during presentation at Tiki weekender. Attendees also got a sneak preview of new mugs and other merchandise along with a new signature rum. >>> FULL COVERAGE
UPDATES: Latest coverage of the renovations and reopening

Modern rum revolution hits the beach for Miami Rum Congress

The year's first major spirits festival returned to balmy Miami Beach for a fourth time on Feb. 10-12.
Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress 2023
>>> See the full schedule of 2023 rum events

Historic preservation board approves The Mai-Kai's renovation plans, clearing way for project to move forward

Landmark Polynesian restaurant allowed to remove old building, make other enhancements in sweeping plan to reimagine 66-year-old, 2.7-acre property.
>>> FULL COVERAGE, EXCLUSIVE IMAGES

The Mai-Kai turns 66 as work progresses on multiple renovation projects

There are many reasons to be hopeful that the 67th anniversary in 2023 will be the first since 2019 when we'll once again be able to gather inside the historic South Florida restaurant to appreciate its grandeur and beauty.
>>> Get the inside scoop on the refurbishments at The Mai-Kai

The Year in Tiki 2022: Take a trip back to the year's top events

Relive the year's top happenings with photos and video, social media posts, plus promotional artwork and links to official sites.
>>> CHECK OUT THE FULL 2022 EVENT ARCHIVE

Support Tiki bars: Visit their online stores, buy merchandise

Check out our guide for links to dozens of establishments with online stores.
>>> ORDER YOUR MERCH NOW

Miami festival fills weekend with rum seminars, tastings

Event includes two full days featuring some of the world's best spirits, premiere industry experts, and a friendly gang of easy-going rum enthusiasts.
UPDATES: Social media highlights
PAST COVERAGE: 2021 photos, recap | Rum fest history, memories

The Mai-Kai's deadly Zombie is resurrected for Halloween, along with its mysterious legend

The iconic cocktail is available for the first time since the historic restaurant closed after an October 2020 storm, and for the first time in takeout quarts and gallons.
HISTORY: 5 greatest moments in Zombie lore
>>> The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide: Ratings, reviews, history of all the drinks

The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video

The 19th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.
>>> FULL DAILY COVERAGE

The Mai-Kai's new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau

Tiki enthusiasts get preview of refurbishment of the 65-year-old landmark during discussion at annual event in June.
FULL COVERAGE OF THE PRESENTATION
Mai-Kai updates: Latest news on the reopening plans
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video

The Mai-Kai's renovation plans include reimagined entryway, new event space

When The Mai-Kai completes a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests of the historic restaurant will be treated to several major enhancements, including a more immersive arrival experience and a new banquet hall.
SEE THE FULL STORY, PLUS PLANS AND RENDERINGS
Roof project: Crucial work underway to shore up historic structure
Entrance experience: Flow of parking lot to be reimagined
New event space: Banquet hall planned next to reconstructed kitchen
Behind the scenes: The Mai-Kai interior intact with exciting additions in the works
What's next? New owner promises continued effort to restore and upgrade
>>> Latest coverage of the reopening plans

Miami Rum Congress 2022 kicks off full schedule of worldwide rum events

Industry VIPs and rum enthusiasts gathered for seminars, tastings and special events at the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach.
Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress 2022
>>> See the full schedule of 2022 rum events

The Mai-Kai sale, Oceanic Arts closing among top Tiki stories of 2021

It was a landmark year thanks to all the talented people in the Tiki community.
>>> See The Atomic Grog's picks for the highlights of 2021
Bonus cocktail recipe: The Tiki Lover

The Year in Tiki 2021: Take a look back at the year's top live and virtual events

Recap the year's top happenings, including official artwork and links plus photos and video.
>>> Full list of past events

Photos, recap: Miami festival reunites rum family for tasting event

Quick takes and highlights from the 2021 Rum Renaissance event, including photos and our favorite sips.
>>> CLICK HERE FOR THE RECAP AND PHOTO GALLERY
PAST COVERAGE: 2021 preview | 2019 recap, photos | Rum fest history, memories

RECIPES: French, Haitian Zombies reflect true roots of deadly cocktail's namesake legend

Savor the complex flavors and stories behind the original deadly cocktail as we present two new Zombie recipes that feature the flavors and spirits of France and Haiti.
FULL STORY: History, mythology and cultural significance of the zombie
New original cocktails: LE ZOMBI | VODOU ZONBI (Haitian Zombie)

Hulaween on hiatus: Relive 12 years of madness at The Mai-Kai

With the Tiki temple closed for refurbishment, the annual Halloween bash isn't happening this year. But that won't stop us from taking a look back at 12 years of madness at the signature event.
>>> SEE PHOTOS FROM ALL THE PAST EVENTS

The Mai-Kai fans rejoice as new partnership paves way for reopening

Full coverage of the historic restaurant's joint ownership deal, announced in September 2021.
>>> CHECK OUT OUR IN-DEPTH REPORT

Exclusive photos: The Mai-Kai through the eyes of The Hukilau villagers

See images from the annual Tiki weekender shared by loyal fans.
>>> BROWSE THE PHOTOS NOW

The Hukilau 2021: Daily recap, photos and video

The Hukilau returned to the picturesque Fort Lauderdale area oceanfront for an 18th time Sept. 16-19 for four days of Polynesian Pop paradise in America's vacationland.
>>> SEE PHOTOS & VIDEO, NEWS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

A new Zombie becomes final challenge for The Hukilau villagers

Upon completion of The Hukilau, villagers had one Final Destination: the "Hereafter Party at Death or Gory in Hellray Beach." To bring the theme full circle, The Atomic Grog presents a Zombie to end all Zombies.
>>> Event overview | Photos, recap
RECIPE: The Final (Destination) Zombie

Tiki Marketplace offers a taste of The Mai-Kai

The July 18 event featured vintage art and collectibles, food trucks, authentic Mai-Kai cocktails and entertainment.
>>> CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO

The Mutiny is a worthy foe in the battle of the tropical titans

A companion to the Black Magic, this tropical drink created by Mariano Licudine is a classic in its own right.
>>> See the history, review and recipes
NEW: Tribute to The Mai-Kai's Mutiny, version 3.0
VIDEO: The Mutiny on Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour

Take a trip down the Tiki Trail for a lethal new Zombie recipe

It was a honor mixing up an original cocktail on the longest-running weekly online gathering of Tiki enthusiasts.
>>> Check out and order the special merchandise featuring new Zombie artwork
RECIPE: Tiki Trail Zombie from The Atomic Grog

The Atomic Grog 10th anniversary: Beware! Deadly Zombies ahead

After 10 years and more than 1 million page views, we take a look back at the blog's best posts and most popular cocktails. A special anniversary Zombie kicks off 10 months of deliciously dangerous drinks.
>>> RECAP: A decade of The Atomic Grog
>>> Tiki Top 10: Most popular blogs | More blog posts worth reading
Most popular cocktails | More drinks worth trying
NEW RECIPE: Revenge of the Atomic Zombie Cocktail

Zombie hunters: Beachbum Berry, Ed Hamilton join forces on rum blend

Two of the spirits and Tiki cocktail world's most respected figures are putting their names on the label of an exciting new release: Beachbum Berry's Zombie Blend from Hamilton Rum.
>>> FULL REPORT AND INTERVIEWS
NEW RECIPE: Hamilton Zombie by The Atomic Grog

The Mai-Kai hosts first Tiki Marketplace featuring vendors, entertainers, cocktails, rum tasting and more

The historic restaurant may be closed for repairs, but a new event took advantage of the large parking lot for a safe and fun-filled day featuring the generous spirit of 'ohana.
>>> PHOTOS, COVERAGE

The classic Demerara Float rises again … and again

Check out the updates to our review of The Mai-Kai's Demerara Float, plus complete back-story of this classic.
>>> HISTORY, RECIPES AND MORE
Demerara Float featured on Spike's Breezeway (video)

Cocktail recipe: Toast St. Patrick's Day with Alloa Aloha

While we all enjoy traditional St. Patrick's Day libations, there's always room for something new.
>>> Check out our Irish-tropical mash-up

Thousands of fans unite to show support for The Mai-Kai during closing

More than 10,000 signed a petition and thousands flooded social media channels as the historic restaurant sought potential partners in the wake of devastating storm damage.
>>> CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Mai-Kai cocktail review: The Black Magic emerges from the darkness as a true classic

Inspired by one of The Mai-Kai's Gallons To Go, we've mixed up a new version of this classic Tiki cocktail.
>>> See the full story
>>> Tribute to The Mai-Kai's Black Magic, version 3.0
The Atomic Grog on Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour
>>> The Black Magic goes viral on social media

Year in the rearview: The Top 9 Tiki stories of 2020

Not all the news was negative in a year many would rather forget.
>>> See The Atomic Grog's picks for the news highlights of 2020
Bonus cocktail recipe: The Urban Archaeologist

The Year in Tiki 2020: Recap the top virtual and in-person events

Take a look back at the top happenings, featuring artwork and links plus photos and video. SEE THE FULL LIST

Photos: Remembering Dawn Wells at The Hukilau

Lucky villagers cherished the memorable chance to meet the actress at the Tiki weekender in June 2015.
>>> Photos of Dawn Wells at The Hukilau

The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom

Check out all the details on The Mai-Kai's sold-out 64th anniversary party on Dec. 28. FULL STORY
Photos: The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue
News: Extent of flooding damage, closing detailed
Previous coverge: Fundraisers, online sales aid The Mai-Kai

Rum Spotlight: Ed Hamilton brings new West Indies blend to Florida

Importer Ed Hamilton has announced the arrival of a new blend bottled for the Florida Rum Society.
>>> GET THE FULL REPORT
>>> 15 things you need to know about Ed Hamilton and Hamilton Rum
>>> Recipe: Hamilton Navy Grog, as served at The Mai-Kai

The Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations

The historic Polynesian restaurant transported revelers to a socially-distanced celebration like no other, including an appearance by Appleton Rum's Joy Spence. FULL EVENT RECAP
News: Latest on the temporary closing
Photos: Hulaween Drive-In Movie scene, costumes
Tribute recipe: Blood Island Green Potion #2

Daiquiris of Hope: Keeping the spirit of our favorite bars and bartenders alive

A salute to our favorite industry professionals in their time of need.
Daiquiri of Hope #2: Beachbum's Special Daiquiri (Dedicated to Jeff "Beachbum" Berry)
Daiquiri of Hope #1: Martiki's Merchant Daiquiri (Dedicated to Martin Cate)
Contributed: The Underground Cardamom Daiquiri (Dedicated to Tiki Underground)

RECENT COCKTAIL REVIEWS & RECIPES

Even landlubbers can appreciate a strong ration of Yeoman's Grog

We've updated our Mai-Kai cocktail review to include more rich history of the ancestor cocktail, the Navy Grog, as well as a new contenporary recipe. See the full story
>>> Navy Grog from Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29

Mai-Kai cocktail review: Jet Pilot soars over its ancestors with flying colors

This latest and greatest version of The Mai-Kai's Jet Pilot should be approached with caution. It's big, bold and bad to the bone.
See the full story
RECIPE: Tribute to The Mai-Kai's Jet Pilot, version 5.0
The Atomic Grog serves the Jet Pilot on Tiki Trail Live
More on The Mai-Kai's takeout menu

SPECIAL FEATURES

Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant's current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
>>> A DEEP DIVE INTO THE COCKTAILS OF THE MAI-KAI
>>> List of all 100+ recipes

Atomic Grog Cocktail Recipes, A through Z

A comprehensive list of every recipe we've posted on the site since 2011.
>>> COMPLETE LIST OF DRINKS

The Atomic Grog joins The Trader Brandon Transmissions

VIDEO, RECIPE: Watch the live interview, see the new Barrel O' Rum recipe
* Check out our Tiki Tuesday chat with Brandon Kleyla on his Instagram page
* Go to TraderBrandon.com and browse all his cool merch

Hurricane Hayward on Inside the Desert Oasis Room

Listen to the "Covid Chronicles" episode recorded live with Adrian Eustaquio as The Atomic Grog blogger made his way to The Mai-Kai to pick up Gallons to Go.
Also available on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.

The Atomic Grog blog has a new look

Check out the latest version of our blog, featuring a clean new design and all the same great features.
>>> GO TO THE BLOG NOW          What is The Atomic Grog?

RECENT & RELEVANT BLOGS

The Mai-Kai re-releases signature rum, plus new glassware and spirits menu

Check out our tasting notes on The Real McCoy 12-year-old Distillers Proof Mai-Kai Blend, plus cocktail recipes, the new rum menu and the updated cocktail menu.
>>> Bonus recipes: The Real McCoy Shark Bite and Special Reserve Daiquiri

Cocktail quarts join gallons as The Mai-Kai expands takeout menu

The historic Polynesian restaurant continues to adapt and adjust to meet guest demand, expanding the curbside pickup menu to include 32-ounce jars of five different classic tropical cocktails.

Skinny Jimmy's Picks: 5 underappreciated surf bands of the first wave

The first wave of instrumental surf (late '50s through mid-'60s) included many bands that remained under the radar and lack the notoriety they deserve.
>>> AUDIO: See and hear Jimmy's top 5

VIDEO & PHOTOS: Skinny Jimmy Stingray talks classic surf, performs at The Mai-Kai
Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band rocked The Molokai bar during December's Retro Rekindled community gathering. The live set followed a Q&A with The Atomic Grog about the guitarist's journey from punk to instro surf.
>>> See new video and photos from the event

Skinny Jimmy's Picks: The all-time top 5 Dick Dale songs
Dick Dale uncovered something special in Southern California's sandy beaches that, like a powerful wave, could not be contained. In this second in a series of top 5 lists, Skinny Jimmy Stingray picks his favorite Dick Dale songs.
>>> AUDIO: See and hear Jimmy's top 5

Gone but not forgotten: Surf guitar pioneer Dick Dale, 1937-2019
We knew him as the "King of the Surf Guitar," but he was so much more than that. Check out our tribute featuring South Florida remembrances and photos plus obituaries and social media reaction.
>>> Dick Dale's discography and top YouTube videos

The living dead came to party at The Mai-Kai's Hulaween 2019 luau
After 10 years, we know what to expect from The Mai-Kai's infamous Hulaween party: Kooky costumes, rockin' tunes and many cocktails consumed in The Molokai bar. The 2019 bash lived up to those standards.
>>> Full recap and photo gallery

Eerie and evil tunes for your Halloween shindig
In this first in a series of special features on instro surf music, Skinny Jimmy Stingray gives us his picks for the most sinister surf songs. "Nothing echoes quite as ghoulishly as the sound of a reverb-soaked electric guitar."
>>> AUDIO/VIDEO: See and hear Jimmy's top five

Mai-Kai cocktail review: If you're 'Passionate' about tropical drinks, this one's for you

Check out our updated review of the Piña Passion, including a new tribute recipe and history of iconic drinks served in pineapples. Learn about this symbol of hospitality and mainstay at The Mai-Kai since 1956.

What we learned at Appleton master blender Joy Spence's rum tasting

What could be better than an Appleton rum tasting at The Mai-Kai? How about the first-ever such event at the historic Polynesian palace hosted by Joy Spence, the longtime master blender for the venerable Jamaican brand.
>>> CHECK OUT OUR FULL recap AND PHOTOS
>>> Recipe: Joy Spence's favorite rum cocktail

PAST BLOGS OF INTEREST

The Atomic Grog presents new class and symposium at The Hukilau 2019

Hurricane Hayward of The Atomic Grog took guests on an virtual journey to the Caribbean to learn about the key rums and styles that have dominated The Mai-Kai's acclaimed cocktails for more than 60 years. He was joined by rum expert Stephen Remsberg for an Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class at Pier Sixty-Six hotel on June 8, and by Cocktail Wonk writer Matt Pietrek for an on-stage symposium at The Mai-Kai Grand Finale on June 9.
>>> HEAR THE SYMPOSIUM: Inside the Desert Oasis Room podcast
>>> Full preview plus last year's recap and photos

COMING SOON: Exclusive news on a new replacement for Kohala Bay rum at The Mai-Kai, plus more!
More on the rums of The Mai-Kai
* The history of the potent, funky flavors from Guyana and Jamaica
* Demerara rum - The Mai-Kai's secret weapon

The Hukilau 2019 rewind: Photos and video from social media

The Hukilau careened through Fort Lauderdale for its 18th annual Tiki weekender with an exhaustive schedule of events at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel, B Ocean Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant.
>>> SOCIAL POSTS FROM THE ATOMIC GROG AND VILLAGERS

The Hukilau 2019: Women of Tiki take over the tower

The signature Tiki Tower Takeover cocktail party included eight of the world's top female Tiki bartenders. Between sampling all the delicious drinks, hanging out with friends and enjoying the gorgeous views from the 17th-floor Pier Top Lounge, we managed to snap a few photos.
>>> FACEBOOK PHOTO GALLERY
Tiki Tower Takeover: Preview, photos and complete history
More on The Hukilau: Last party at Pier Sixty-Six? | Final preview, updates

Mai-Kai Walking Tour on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
It was an honor to participate in The Mai-Kai history tour with carver Will Anders and manager Kern Mattei. It's a real Tiki museum audio walking tour.
>>> CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE PODCAST
>>> Previous Marooned podcast: Hurricane Hayward talks Mai-Kai cocktails
Related stories on The Atomic Grog
* The Mai-Kai is here to stay: 10 reasons why we love the historic restaurant
* New giant carved Tiki added to outdoor garden for 60th anniversary
* 'King Kai' leads procession of new Tikis into The Mai-Kai
* Tour of The Mai-Kai's mysterious bars and kitchen (with photos)

Mai-Kai cocktail review: Drink like a native with the deadly Shrunken Skull

Take a deep dive into the history of a deadly classic cocktail with our fully enhanced review with a brand new tribute recipe and the true ancestor recipe from Don the Beachcomber.
>>> CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

New cocktail books, magazine prove Tiki underground is alive and thriving

Is the printed word is dead? The appearance of several new cocktail and recipes books, along with a quarterly magazine devoted to the revival of Polynesian Pop and mid-century culture, would indicate otherwise.

PAST NEWS & EVENT COVERAGE

The Year in Tiki 2019: A look back at all the top events
Check out photos and video plus links and coverage of top happenings around the globe, including Miami Rum Congress, Inuhele in Atlanta, Arizona Tiki Oasis, Tiki Caliente in Palm Springs, Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, The Hukilau in Fort Lauderdale, Tiki Kon in Portland, the Surf Guitar 101 Convention in California, Tiki Oasis in San Diego, the Hi-Tide Summer Holiday: Asbury Park, plus more!
>>> BROWSE ALL THE PAST EVENTS

Sippin' Santa comes to town: Beachbum Berry interview, plus recipes
We caught up with Tiki historian, author and bar owner Jeff "Beachbum" Berry to ask him about his growing family of Sippin' Santa surf shacks, the delicious drinks, and what makes holiday pop-up bars so popular.
Bonus recipes: Tribute to Christmas Eve of Destruction | Nutty Old Fashioned
Previous story: Another holiday Miracle: Sippin' Santa locations double

Surprise winner, new spirit of aloha at fifth annual Art of Tiki in South Beach

Find out how an unassuming chef beat out Miami's top mixologists in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival's tropical bartending competition.
>>> Full event coverage, cocktail reviews, exclusive photos and history

VIPs, connoisseurs of fine spirits flock to first Miami Rum Congress

The inaugural Miami Rum Congress was an unqualified success, a star-studded gathering of rum industry experts that sold out the cozy and picturesque Shane Center in Miami Beach.
>>> Photo gallery and event recap

Special event: 'Demerara Rum - The Mai-Kai's Secret Weapon'

The Atomic Grog was pleased to present a special happy-hour talk during The Mai-Kai Takeover event, presented by the Magical Tiki Meet-Up and Retro Rekindled.
>>> Full event recap and photos
* See also: Rums of The Mai-Kai include potent, funky flavors

Epcot's Native American exhibit includes Hawaiian, Polynesian artifacts

The Hawaii and California display spotlights one of seven geographic regions of art, both historical and modern, in the American Heritage Gallery.

The Year in Tiki 2018: Recap all the top events with photos and video

What did you attend in 2018? Take a look back at the top happenings in the Tiki, rum and surf music worlds.

Florida bartender wins Chairman's Reserve Mai Tai Challenge

Gregory Schutt pulled off an upset victory in the regional finals to earn a trip to the global finals in St. Lucia.

Hulaween turns 10 with another ghoulish gathering

The Mai-Kai in South Florida was overrun by a lively crowd of undead revelers who returned from the grave for a 10th time in search of a rockin' good time with Slip and the Spinouts.

The Atomic Grog on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
Listen to Hurricane Hayward and podcaster David Phantomatic as they discuss (what else) the historic tropical drinks and influence of The Mai-Kai.
* Check out the new tribute recipes for a Mai-Kai classic, the Mutiny

Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy: How to Mix Like The Mai-Kai

Tips and techniques from The Atomic Grog's Hurricane Hayward for turning your home bar into a Tiki paradise.
>>> Check out highlights from the sold-out class at The Hukilau 2018

The Hukilau 2018 recap: Photos and video from social media

Check out a compilation of images from the whirlwind Tiki weekend in Fort Lauderdale.

The Mai-Kai updates bar menu, adds classic ‘lost' cocktail

A new cocktail menu made its debut in May 2018 in The Molokai bar at The Mai-Kai, marking first update to the classic tropical drink lineup since 2014.
The Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

New monorail fleet in the works? Disney World denies rumors

Disney World may soon be getting replacements for its aging fleet of monorails, says the retired imagineer who designed the original iconic trains. But officially, theme park officials say there presently are no such plans.

TAKE 5: INTERVIEWS WITH MOVERS & SHAKERS

August 2014: Otto von Stroheim, pioneering event promoter and Tiki tastemaker
April 2014: Ian Burrell, global rum ambassador and organizer of the UK RumFest
September 2013: Martin Cate, owner of Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco and rum cocktail maestro
June 2013: Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, Tiki cocktail author and historian extraordinaire
June 2012: Rodney Mayo, guiding light of South Florida's indie entertainment scene
November 2011: Mai-Kai General Manager Kern Mattei
September 2011: Artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli

FROM THE ARCHIVES: OUR FAVORITE BLOGS

Exotic cocktails at Altered State Tattoo's 20th anniversary party

We were pleased to serve up drinks for special guests of artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli at the 20th anniversary party for his South Florida shop that has gained him a worldwide following for his highly creative ink.
>>> Get the recipes: Altered State Zombie | Mai Ta-IPA

‘Boozy' blog hosts birthday bash

The Atomic Grog celebrated its fifth anniversary with a cocktail party in The Molokai lounge at The Mai-Kai featuring live instrumental surf music from Skinny Jimmy Stingray, drink specials, giveaways, and more.

10 reasons why you need Sven Kirsten's Tiki Pop
The third hardcover opus from the acclaimed Tiki urban archaeologist explores in rich and colorful detail the uniquely American phenomenon that permeated fashion, music, eating, drinking, and architecture for decades.

Jeff Berry proves he's never too busy to be a 'Beachbum'

Author and cocktail historian Beachbum Berry solidified his standing as the "Indiana Jones" of Tiki mixology with his first branded product, unearthing a long-lost gadget from the catacombs of mid-century bar culture: Beachbum Berry's Navy Grog Ice Cone Kit.

A journey back in time uncovers 'Disney side'

My first visit to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando was in 1972, but it wasn't until decades later that events conspired to make me a Disney World fan for life.
>>> Related: Celebrating 30 years of Epcot magic

Potions of the Caribbean: Cruise back to the birthplace of Tiki drinks

Beachbum Berry's sixth book on tropical drinks and the fascinating stories behind them could be considered the sequel to Sippin' Safari, both in style and substance.

Need a punch recipe for 200? The Rum Rat Pack has it covered

The experts at The Hukilau's 'Rumposium' showed us how to fill a bowl with 630 ounces of deliciousness (including 240 ounces of rum) with style and flair.

Florida at forefront of surf rock's contemporary renaissance

Just as Florida surfers have played second fiddle to California, so have the Sunshine State's surf bands.
But it's surely not due to lack of talent or effort.
>>> Related: Book makes waves, gives state's rich surfing history its due
>>> Album review: Los Straitjackets soar again with the release of Jet Set

Enchanted Tiki Room still charms, inspires

Keeping Walt Disney's vision alive since 1971, this landmark attraction received a welcome refurbishment in 2011 that heralded the return of the vintage show that pays tribute to the Disneyland original.
>>> Related: Enchanted Tiki Room 50th anniversary merchandise

Artists shine at Magic Kingdom's 40th birthday party

For many of us, celebrating Disney World means celebrating all the great artists and imagineers without whom none of the magic would be possible.
>>> An appreciation: Disney World is still cool at 40 thanks to retro artists Shag, Kevin & Jody
>>> Related: Cocktails come of age at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Stretching the limits of the imagination

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is a surreal experience in its own right.

We be Jammin: Rum Renaissance Zombie fest at The Mai-Kai

The kickoff party for the 2011 Rum Renaissance Festival was a Tikiphile's dream, featuring a Jeff "Beachbum" Berry cocktail seminar followed by a deadly mixology competition.
Click here for our first-person recap
>>> MORE: Zombie Jam photo gallery | Event preview | Rum Renaissance recap
>>> ORIGINAL RECIPE: Wake the dead, it's time for the Atomic Zombie Cocktail
>>> Zombie alert: 5 crucial things you need to know about the deadly cocktail
>>> Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide: The theory of evolution of the Zombie

MORE ON RUM & COCKTAILS
* Navy Rum and Black Tot Day: When men were men, and sailors drank Daiquiris
* Spice up your tequila cocktails with fiery gourmet syrups
* Miami mixologist shows how to jazz up your tired old cocktails

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!